5 Ingredient Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Indulge in this unbelievably creamy 5-ingredient mac and cheese! This easy recipe delivers rich, cheesy comfort in just 75 minutes. Elevate your dish with optional chopped green onions and crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 75 mins
Calories 352.9 kcal
Protein 33g
Rating 4.8 (4 Reviews)
5 Ingredient Macaroni And Cheese

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for 5 Ingredient Macaroni And Cheese

  • Elbow Macaroni
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Unbleached White Flour
  • Low Fat Milk
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

How to Make 5 Ingredient Macaroni And Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook 1 pound of macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly.
  6. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, stirring frequently.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese (or your favorite cheese blend). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to combine.
  10. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
  12. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and breadcrumbs (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

19g

Fat

51g

Carbs

11g